Thirukkural 388 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
முறைசெய்து காப்பாற்றும் மன்னவன் மக்கட்கு
இறையென்று வைக்கப் படும்.
Transliteration
Muraiseydhu Kaappaatrum Mannavan Makkatku
Iraiyendru Vaikkap Patum
Modern English
“A ruler who governs fairly and protects the people earns deep respect, almost like a guardian with sacred authority.”
Modern Interpretation
A ruler who governs fairly and protects the people earns deep respect, almost like a guardian with sacred authority. For example, a school leader who handles bullying seriously and applies rules equally becomes someone students trust.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A ruler who governs fairly and protects the people earns deep respect, almost like a guardian with sacred authority.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
He is the Lord of men who does Sound justice and saves his race
G.U. Pope Translation
Who guards the realm and justice strict maintains,That king as god o'er subject people reigns
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
That king, will be esteemed a God among men, who performs his own duties, and protects (his subjects).
Tamil commentary
நீதிவழங்கி மக்களைக் காக்கும் அரசு மக்களைக் காக்கும் கடவுள் என்று கருதப்படும்.
Chapter 39
More from The Greatness of a King
இறைமாட்சி
People, troops, wealth, forts, council, friends Who owns these six is lion of kings
Kural 382Courage, giving, knowledge and zeal Are four failless features royal
Kural 383Alertness, learning bravery Are adjuncts three of monarchy
Kural 384A brave noble king refrains from vice Full of virtue and enterprise
Kural 385The able king gets, stores and guards And spends them for people's safeguards
Kural 386That land prospers where the king is Easy to see, not harsh of words
Kural 387The world commends and acts his phrase Who sweetly speaks and gives with grace
Kural 388He is the Lord of men who does Sound justice and saves his race
Kural 389Under his shelter thrives the world Who bears remarks bitter and bold
Kural 390He is the Light of Kings who has Bounty, justice, care and grace